Jer 20, 10-13; Rom 5, 12-15; Matt 10, 26-33Dear sisters and brothers, ‘even the hairs of your head are counted’. Today’s Gospel is an affirmation for all those who feel persecuted in any way because of their beliefs or because people are speaking badly about them, or those who feel alienated from their community, their family or seen from God. During such times, it can be extremely lonely to the point where one can lose their sense of purpose in this world. While we might not want to shout from the rooftops, as Jesus suggests, there is a message here to speak out, to talk it out, Today, spend time on the beautiful words of Jesus in this Gospel, ‘even the hairs of your head are all counted, so do not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows!’ the sparrow, one of the smallest of birds is cared for and loved by God. This is a reminder that no matter how insignificant we might feel or how challenging the circumstances get, God is with us, each of us. Once again, we are being told how sacred each and every person is and how much we are loved by God. In his eyes, each of us are precious. Today, recall the times or places where you felt God’s supporting presence.

‘when we travel through those wilderness places of our liveswhere we feel lost, insecure, lonely, frustrated, discouraged,or overcome by busyness:Help us to trust in you, God of the journey.When we catch glimpses of the experience a deep,loving connection with others:Help us to trust in you, God of the journey. – Joyce Rupp.Fr EphremHoly Trinity Parish VisionWe are a prayerful and diverse Catholic community in the Eastern suburbs of Wellington, drawing strength from one another to grow and become fully alive as missionary disciples.

A reminder to all groups, individuals and families within the Parish, the closing date for responses to the Synod is the 30th June. At the back of the newsletter is all the information on how you can make your submissions.

Parishioners are invited to join Fr Ephrem and participate in one of the sessions next week after Mass to discuss a topic for the Synod.

St Anthony’s Church – 27th June after 9am Mass (Go you are sent…to accompany one another (young people)Holy Cross Church – 28th June after 9.30am Mass (Go you are sent…to refugees and migrants)St Patrick’s Church – 29th June after 9.30am Mass (Go you are sent…to deepen our bicultural relationship)

There will be Adoration every Saturday at Holy Cross Church after 9am Mass beginning the 1st July

Holy Cross Church Roof RepairThe Finance Committee have arranged for the roof over the main Church Nave to be recoated to stop the ongoing leaks that we have had over the last few years.Edge protection will be installed to ensure workers are safe.Hopefully there will be little disruption to Church activities and the work should be completed within a month, weather permitting.We look forward to being able to turn on the heaters at the rear of the church once the leaks have stopped.

A reminder to all parishioners that if you borrow items could you please put them back where you got them from. We have a few items still missing so, if you have used them, please return them as soon as possible so they are available for parish events and funerals. Thank you.4 x boxes of wine glassesWhite tablecloths (large and small sizes)

Year 7/8 students from Holy Cross School will be holding a bake sale in the Holy Cross Church foyer after 9am Mass today (Sunday 25th) to fundraise for their school camp in term 3.Expect cakes, cupcakes, muffins, biscuits, slices and sweets to tempt you after mass! Many thanks for your support.

Big thank you, St Vincent de Paul Society Street Day Appeal. We warmly thank parishioners and supporters who donated to our street day appeal last Friday 16 June all around Wellington, assisted by 27 collectors from our parish. The overall total of $14,340 donations will go towards the Society's welfare services for those in most need in the region. Compassion for our neighbour is alive and well in our community. From Seatoun & Miramar Conference, SVDP.

St Catherine's College 2018 Scholarships Educating Young Women since 1950 Apply now to office@scc.school.nz or phone 04 939 8988 Applications close 25 August 2017

The Order of Malta is a Catholic charity raising funds to supply ‘Coats for the Homeless’ in Wellington. We ran a successful appeal in 2012. The coats will be distributed by the Compassion Centre in Tory Street.The coats can also double as a small blanket and cost $60 each. All donations are tax deductible. Flyers are in the church foyer or contact peterdamianwood@icloud.com or phone 021 325 884.

econference Coming Soon Gospel leadership in times of chaos: the hope of Pope FrancisJoin a challenging eConference streamed live free over the internet. Group participation will be facilitated by the Parish Leadership Ministry team and The Catholic Institute, Wellington. Thursday 10 August 12 noon - 4.30pm (NZ time) at the Catholic Centre, 22-30 Hill St, Thorndon, Wellington. To register attendance please email Ann Williams at a.williams@wn.catholic.org.nz For more information visit www.bbi.catholic.edu.au/short-courses/eConference-2017

British Irish Lions 2017 Tour – Wellington match on Tuesday, 27 June 2017– car parking availableThe Sacred Heart Cathedral school grounds on Guilford Tce will be available for parking for the first British Lions match in Wellington on Tuesday, 27 June 2017. Parking will be $15 for the night. Sales at the gatefrom 5pm.For further information contact Friends and Parents of Sacred Heart Chair, Amanda Gregan on 027 9399 575.(Please note there will be no parking available for their second match on 1 July 2017)

INTERCESSORY CONFERENCE – ‘Intercessors Arise” Starting Friday 30th June ending Sunday 2nd July 2017 at St Joseph Catholic Church, Mt Victoria. Conference will comprise of workshops, teaching on intercession and equipping and encouraging those who have a heart for intercessory prayer (Whether rosary of other forms of prayer). Opportunity to meet with other Catholic intercessors from around the country. To register contact Francenne email Francenne.Smith@gmail.com or phone 04 238 2966 (Cost $40.00 pp).

Let us promote with courage all necessary means to protect the lives of our children. Pope Francis

Holy Hour You are invited to a Holy on Tuesday 27 June beginning at 7.30 pm in the Cathedral chapel to pray for vocations to priesthood and consecrated life. This Holy Hour will include prayers, Scripture, times of silence, praise and worship and conclude with Benediction followed by supper.

Holy Cross School parents and caregivers are warmly invited to the little Angels playgroup Friday 30th June from 1.45 – 3pm in Room 11 & 12. For more information contact Susie Sumner at Holy Cross School on 388 7189

Vigil for the Unborn: Saturday 15th July 2017. St Anne's Catholic Church, Emmett Street, Newtown. 10 am Mass. Followed by Exposition & Rosary Procession to front of Hospital. Ends at Noon with a shared lunch. Relying on God's grace, join in this persevering prayer effort for our most vulnerable - especially the unborn - and those suffering from the tragedy of abortion. For more information contact Family Life International NZ PH: 2378343

Saturday 22 July 10 – 4pm Tūrangawaewae Wānanga– Our Place to Stand. You are invited to an engaging and gentle exploration of our connection with Maori through pōwhiri music, story, karakia and kōrero. This varied one-day workshop is open to anyone and promises to be a rich and rewarding experience. Facilitator: Hēnare Walmsley. Our Lady’s Home of Compassion, 2 Rhine Street, Island Bay, Registration required for catering Email: retreat@compassion.org.nz Phone: 04 3837769

Become a Seasons for Growth Volunteer with Catholic Social Services What is Seasons for Growth? Seasons for Growth is based on the belief that change and loss are part of life and grief is a normal response to these losses. The Seasons for Growth Children and Young People’s Program runs over 8 weeks with groups of 4-7 children. It aims to:

Supports children and young people to understand and respond well to the issues they experience as a result of death, separation, divorce or other significant change and loss in their lives

Develops skills for coping, problem solving and decision making

Builds a peer support network

Educates children and young people about the grief process.

How can you help? We are seeking volunteers to run this programme in a number of schools in the Wellington/Porirua and Hutt area. You will need to be available to attend training sessions and run 2-3 courses a year.What skills are required? The ability to work confidently and effectively with groups of 4-7 children,the ability to listen deeply and effectively and be able to affirm others and respect differences of culture, belief and lifestyleWhat support will I get? You will be funded to attend a training workshop on the 29th and 30th of June 2017 Another trained volunteer or staff member from Catholic Social Services will run the courses with you. You will receive ongoing support from Catholic Social ServicesHow can I apply? Email or call Lesley Hooper at Catholic Social Services.l.hooper@wn-catholicsocialservices.org.nz or phone 04 385 8642